Probate and Estate Administration
When someone dies there is a lot to consider and organise. We can guide you through the process or we can deal with all the requirements depending on your needs.
We have extensive experience in dealing with estates of all sizes and complexities including those with a business or agricultural element.
How we can help
It is first necessary to establish who is responsible for administering the estate, which will depend in the first instance on whether there is a valid will appointing Executors who are able and willing to take on the role. If not, we can help you determine who is eligible to take on the administration role. If there is a valid will, we will advise you on the meaning and effect of the provisions in the context of the estate. If there is no such will, we will help you to establish the rightful heirs under the rules of Intestacy set down by law.
What’s involved
Once instructed by the responsible party(ies), we will undertake such steps as are necessary to administer the estate including:
- Establish, safeguard and value all estate assets
- Establish and notify any creditors
- Complete all necessary paperwork including Tax Accounts to apply for the Grant of Representation (Probate or Letters of Administration) if required
- Upon receipt of the Grant, notify relevant asset holders and collect in or transfer assets to beneficiaries
- Pay all outstanding debts and administration expenses
- Pay any legacies
- Conclude Inheritance and Income Tax matters
- Complete and distribute Estate Accounts
- Account to the beneficiaries entitled to the residuary estate
In addition
We can act on any conveyancing transactions necessary to sell or transfer property from the estate; deal with any challenges to the estate, and advise in relation to Deeds of Variation which may be recommended for tax planning purposes. In some cases a will sets up a Trust and we can advise the Trustees upon the effective administration of the Trust and deal with all the formalities required.
We also have expertise in Contested Probate.
Our expertise
The solicitors in our Wills, Tax & Probate team are full members of the Society for Estate Practitioners and have extensive experience in the administration of estates.
Telephone: 01603 214 220
How we
can help you
Protecting your individual interests in the future is important to our wills and probate lawyers. Before creating a strategy to make sure your finances and estate are in order, they will work closely with you to fully understand your goals and concerns.
To find out more about our expertise, please call:
Our insights
Delivering thought-leading expertise and understanding from our expert solicitors and staff.
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Secure Your Loved Ones’ Future
As life evolves, so should your will. Major life events like the birth of a child, a marriage, or a divorce are all reasons to take another look at your will. We generally advise reviewing your will every five years or after any significant change in your circumstances.